Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Salary: £40,247 – £45,163 per annum
Job Type: Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed-term for up to 12 months
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): Available
Closing Date: 12 March 2025 @ 23.45
Job Overview
The University of Glasgow is seeking an experienced Financial Analyst to join its team and provide accurate financial management reporting services across the institution. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a leading academic environment while enhancing your professional skills in a dynamic role.
In this role, you will support financial reporting, budgeting, and sector-specific statutory returns. You will also collaborate with various departments to improve financial processes and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. If you have strong analytical skills, experience in financial reporting, and are looking to make a meaningful impact, this could be the role for you.
Key Responsibilities
1. Month-End Coordination
You will support the Senior Finance Analyst and Head of Management Accounts in coordinating all month-end activities, including timetabling, transaction processing, and providing standard financial reports. Your efforts will ensure timely and accurate monthly reporting across the University.
2. Monthly Reporting and Forecasting
You will be responsible for consolidating, reviewing, and challenging the monthly financial results. You will prepare the monthly reporting pack for senior management review and ensure that it aligns with strategic goals and budget expectations. Additionally, you will assist with the preparation of the full-year forecast.
3. Financial Process Improvement
A key aspect of the role is to contribute to the continuous improvement of financial management reporting, including salary forecasting, research reporting, and the systematisation of the budget process. You will work closely with external consultants and College Finance teams to streamline reporting practices.
4. Budget Consolidation and Review
You will lead the consolidation of budget inputs, ensuring that they are accurate and aligned with the University’s strategic goals. Your insights will guide discussions with the Senior Management Group, helping to inform decision-making on key financial matters.
5. Statutory Financial Returns
As part of the financial reporting cycle, you will lead on the preparation and completion of sector-specific statutory returns. These may include the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Finance Return, Knowledge Exchange (KE) Return, and Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) Return. Your role will ensure the data is accurately allocated and in compliance with statutory requirements.
6. Service Financial Queries
You will respond to ad hoc financial queries from both internal and external sources. These requests will come from departments such as the Senior Management Group, Scottish Funding Council, and Higher Education Statistics Agency. Providing clear, accurate, and timely information will be a key part of your responsibilities.
7. Enhancing Service Delivery
You will work closely with College Finance staff and Financial Accounting staff to enhance the service provided by the Management Accounting team. This includes eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring that management reporting processes are streamlined and effective.
Required Skills and Experience
Knowledge & Qualifications
-
Essential:
- A degree or equivalent professional qualification (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9 or equivalent).
- Currently working towards a qualification with a recognised CCAB accounting body.
- Solid understanding of budgeting and strategic planning within a large, complex organisation.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
-
Desirable:
- Knowledge of financial governance and regulations specific to the Higher Education sector.
Skills
- Essential:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial data clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the confidence to challenge assumptions and suggest improvements.
- Demonstrable customer service orientation, with the ability to work with various stakeholders to meet the department’s needs.
- High level of self-motivation and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to make informed decisions based on financial data.
Experience
- Essential:
- Significant experience in a similar role within a large and complex financial environment.
- Proven ability to work with non-financial managers to improve financial analysis and decision-making.
- Experience leading financial process improvements that result in operational and financial efficiencies.
Benefits of Joining the University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow offers a range of benefits that make it a rewarding place to work:
- Competitive Salary: £40,247 – £45,163 per annum, depending on experience.
- Professional Development: Opportunity to work within a highly respected institution, with ongoing professional development and training.
- Flexible Work Options: While this position is full-time, the University offers flexibility to accommodate work-life balance where possible.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates who require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK.
- Pension Scheme: Comprehensive pension plan to secure your future.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date of 12 March 2025. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to contribute to the University of Glasgow’s financial management efforts, we encourage you to submit your application.
Apply Here
Please note that the University of Glasgow also offers internal secondment opportunities for current employees. If you are a current employee, please seek approval from your line manager before applying.
Why Work at the University of Glasgow?
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s most prestigious educational institutions, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment. As a Financial Analyst, you will play a crucial role in shaping the University’s financial future, while also benefiting from a range of professional development opportunities.
If you are an experienced financial professional looking to make an impact in the Higher Education sector, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the University’s mission while furthering your career.
Apply now and become a part of our dynamic financial team at the University of Glasgow!